Thank you for joining me for this WSL-title winning match. Chelsea put out a flawless performance at Old Trafford to nullify Manchester United and take the title by storm. Six goals sealed a fifth consecutive WSL title. Can they be stopped? Manager Emma Hayes’ departure may see a transition period for the club but they have a winning mentality that won’t fade with the boss’ exit. For a recap of all the action you can read the report below. Thank you for joining us for the entire WSL season, we look forward to seeing you next season. Oh and there is the little matter of the Champions League to decide, we will have live coverage next Saturday. Until then, have a good week.
Super Fran, Super Fran Kirby:
— Fran Kirby (@frankirby) May 18, 2024
So the English women’s domestic titles have been decided. Arsenal are Conti Cup champions, Manchester United FA Cup victors and Chelsea WSL winners. Manchester City, for all of their amazing performances, come away with no silverware but they are back in the Champions League.
Speaking of the European competition, the Guardian will have live coverage of the final between Barcelona and Lyon next Saturday.
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At his press conference post match Skinner said on the goals conceded: “Rubbish aren’t they? Rubbish. From our perspective, we allowed too many individual duels to go. We made too many mistakes and didn’t make Chelsea work hard enough for the goals. I have to fix that going forwards.”
He added on if this shows the gap between them and Chelsea: “I don’t think so. I think it reflects the gap in this game. I don’t think we’re a 6-0 away from Chelsea at all. But we do need to develop the depth of our squad to compete.”
And on if this is his worst moment as United manager: “It feels like it in the moment.”
Emma Hayes and Marc Skinner have been shown hugging as the Manchester United manager congratulates his opposition. He also hands her what looks like a bottle of wine. A nice touch.
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner told Sky: “Of course I would love to work with Mary, conversations are still ongoing. All I can do is work on my relationship with Mary and [results] on field.”
That is all they included from their post-match talk with Skinner, I’ll try and find other reaction because it was quite a thumping they took today.
Chelsea have not only won the WSL for a fifth time in a row, they have also scored the most amount of goals of any team in a single WSL season. 71 goals in all.
Man City player Steph Houghton cried after losing the WSL title in her last match ever. She is retiring at the end of the season.
“We are disappointed we haven’t won but I was surrounded by a lot of great people,” she told Sky.
“It’s been unbelievable and a career I could never have dreamed of.”
There were four other games happening with all the matches kicking off at the same time today so here is a round-up of those results:
Some headlines from those games: Liverpool claim fourth and Miedema scores in her last Arsenal appearance
Players are lining up to take photos with Emma Hayes and the trophy, the celeb on the pitch.
Fran Kirby told Sky: “It was amazing, I got a little bit emotional when the girls came over. Everyone was saying how many goose bumps they were having.
“I was hoping she wouldn’t save it! It was a really nice moment, I have been at the club for a long time. They have supported me through tough moments. For me to seal it off with a goal is perfect.”
Hayes drops her mic as she leaves her final TV interview as Chelsea manager.
Hayes added: “My favourite moment [at Chelsea] was the first FA Cup final.
“My memories aren’t always that clear. It is so overwhelming.”
On the future: “To finish here at Old Trafford, I hope to get a glass of wine with Sir Alex in a minute. So many told us we couldn’t, girls can’t play and we can’t fill stadiums. Not only have we done that but we are making sure we are filling it up every week.”
Emma Hayes told Sky: “What a wonderful performance today. I picked a team of leaders from the beginning. It was essential we had the emotional maturity for a stadium as fitting as this.
“I can’t say it is my most enjoyable but it has been the toughest, for that reason probably the sweetest. I am so relieved it is over.
“I have great memories, listening to the fans, the connection with the players. I haven’t got any more to give, I know that much.
“The hardest thing to do is five in a row as people take their eye off the ball.
“My legacy is winning while building a team for the future.”
Fran Kirby joined Chelsea in 2015 and has gone on to win 16 trophies with the club. She is the women’s team’s top goalscorer and she added another to her tally in the match against Manchester United today. A perfect send off for a club legend.
It had to happen, didn't it? 🥹 pic.twitter.com/7eimsSNsNp
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) May 18, 2024
Emma Hayes is walking around Old Trafford with her son, such a lovely moment for the manager.
Chelsea defender Jess Carter told Sky: “I think for me this is the best trophy we have won… I think it may be some of the worst performances we have had this season
“I think we had to go out and give everything. We didn’t want to have any regrets. Everyone played with a bit of freedom.
“I think we were disappointed when we lost to them in the FA Cup. We had to come and be physical.”
Niamh Charles told Sky: “It’s a proper special day. I am so proud to play for Chelsea.
“We knew we had to focus on what we can control and winning the game first and foremost.
“I don’t think we ever completely lost hope. We were disappointed we let it go out of our hands and we were grateful to get it back.”
One star who may be one who is always consistent and doesn’t always get her plaudits in this Chelsea squad is Jess Carter. The defender is always impressive and at the heart of the team.
The Manchester United squad have stayed out on the pitch to watch the Chelsea celebrations. They look utterly crushed, it wasn’t good enough from them today but they are a squad who are building. They have their first silverware and they just need consistency in the league and these celebrations could be theirs.
Hayes never usually gets involved with the initial lift but you could hear Bright encouraging her to get involved, it was lifted aloft between them both, a really special and emotional moment.
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A huge cheer as Emma Hayes receives her medal. Bright and Hayes are holding it together and they lift it together with the golden streamers flying all over them. The backroom staff spray champagne. A special moment for the squad and manager.
Injured players are among those picking up their medals and the likes of Sam Kerr are getting their platform too.
The trophy presentation has been positioned to face the away section where a record number of Chelsea fans have travelled to. It is bang in front of the fans, such a nice touch. The players are now getting their medals now.
Chelsea captain Millie Bright told Sky: “It’s pretty special. When half the country write you off, we always had a monster mentality. We got given a second chance but you have to take it.
“I think the atmosphere is incredible, we had to have 10 out of 10 performances. The players were impressive.”
A word on Manchester City, who must be crushed after the result at Old Trafford. After they lost to Arsenal they still had a +7 goal difference with one game to play. But later that day Chelsea beat Bristol 8-0 to see that goal difference disappear. That meant they needed to win and by a margin. They got the win but couldn’t match Chelsea’s goal haul. Even if Chelsea beat United 1-0 today, City’s 2-1 scoreline would not have been enough. A great march to the title but they just fell short.
To reflect on the Emma Hayes era:
A moment to highlight Chelsea have got this title win over the line with a myriad of injuries. Their star striker Sam Kerr ruptured her ACL in Janaury, striker Mia Fishel had the same injury just weeks after. Mayra Ramirez has been in and out with injury. Captain Millie Bright was also out for a long time with a knee issue. Hugely impressive.
Emma Hayes is going through her squad hugging and celebrating with each of her players. You can see what it means not only to her but the players and fans. The manager and Fran Kirby add a 16th title to their haul over their time at the club.
Chelsea fans, you may owe Stina Blackstenius a pint or two. Her two goals to beat Manchester City a few weeks ago saw Chelsea’s title hopes re-ignited and now they are over the line.
CHELSEA WIN WSL
Emma Hayes has a fairytale ending to her time at Chelsea. The club do so in fantastic fashion. Manchester United blown away. Millie Bright hugs her manager as the Blues wildly celebrate.
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Full time: Manchester United 0-6 Chelsea
Chelsea are champions once again after an almost-perfect performance.
90 + 5 min: Man City have beaten Aston Villa 2-1 with that game over. The only way Chelsea don’t win is if they concede seven goals in one minute.
90 + 4 min: The Player of the Match has been announced as Mayra Ramirez. She scored two goals before she was subbed, hard to disagree with the selection.
90 + 3 min: Chelsea have a corner and Kirby takes it quickly, it comes to Lawrence but Earps collects.
90 + 1 min: There will be five minutes added here.
90 min: Beever-Jones flashes the ball across goal but no one is there to hit it home, Chelsea not done here.
89 min: United look to have a consolation goal as Garcia controls really well but her effort is over the bar. There are just under 29,000 at Old Trafford today.
88 min: What an absolute demolition job Chelsea have done at Old Trafford. United completely blown away, they seemed the more likely to score in the last few minutes but Kirby’s effort has put the final nail in their dreadful United performance.
86 min: That is an emotional watch, she slams it home and she is emotional as she runs over to the fans. The supporters now singing her song. A deserved send off for such a special player.
GOAL! Manchester United 0-6 Chelsea (Kirby, 85)
In her last Chelsea game!
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84 min: I am unsure if Chelsea have backed off slightly because they know they are so far ahead in the title race but the tempo at which they are playing has definitely gone down a gear. Beever-Jones tries to move forward but she is offside.
82 min: It is all United at the moment, the replacements have added some fire to their attack – particularly through Geyse. She gets it into the box once more but Bright clears.
80 min: United are putting together some lovely stuff but their last touches are just not clinical enough. Geyse looks to cross but it is deflected out for a corner, Zelem takes it but Bright heads clear.
79 min: A pinpoint ball comes in for Garcia but it goes just beyond here, that would have been a corker of a goal. Remember if Chelsea concede that will impact the goal difference and so the Blues will be looking to keep their clean sheet.
78 min: The energy in the crowd has been completely zapped, you can clearly hear every chant from Chelsea fans. This has just been such a poor outing for the hosts, one they will want to quickly forget but they will have to sit with it in the off season. United peel forward and Garcia finds space, beating Bright, but she slips and the chance is gone. United make two changes with Riviere and Williams off for Parris and Evans.
76 min: Man City have restored their lead through Hemp and so now they need to score seven more goals to win the title, as thing stand.
75 min: Nusken is fed a good ball but her effort to cross is deflected out for a corner. Kirby takes it short and it’s played back to Kaneryd, she crosses but it’s cleared well. United quickly counter and they get it into the box but Musovic comes out to collect.
73 min: “Super Fran” is being chanted as Chelsea women’s top goalscorer makes her way onto the pitch for Cuthbert. Reiten is also off for Lawrence.
72 min: Chelsea lose the ball in a good position for United, Geyse tries to get around Bjorn but she does enough to see it out. United have not had a shot since the 26th minute.
70 min: Reiten is standing over the set piece, it hits the wall but rolls over them but Earps collects. The keeper looks to put United on the front foot but Carter has a good recovery run to dispossess Geyse.
68 min: Garcia is given a yellow card for another foul on Nusken, the Spanish international is the brightest in this poor performance from United. Chelsea free kick to come.
67 min: Aston Villa have equalised in the other game, Rachel Daly with the goal, and that means Man City need eight goals now. The Chelsea fans celebrating wildly as the news hits them at Old Trafford.
United make a double change with Geyse and Miyazawa on for Malard and Naalsund.
65 min: The tempo of the game has slightly slowed in the last few minutes. United come forward and Carter gives away a free kick, they take it quickly but it ends with them giving it away to Chelsea. This game highlights United’s uneven season, a really positive Cup run but a disappointing league.
63 min: Will Kirby get some game time in her last Chelsea game? She is leaving at the end of the season but she is not warming up yet.
61 min: Cuthbert takes the free kick but it’s over the bar, another chance gone but as thing stand Chelsea will win the league. City still need seven more goals against Villa, the game still 1-0.
59 min: Kaneryd has a good run into the box but her effort is well defended, it comes to Nusken and Garcia barges her on the floor for a free kick.
58 min: There is a change for Chelsea and it is Ramirez who comes off for Beever-Jones and Leupolz is off Ingle.
57 min: Reiten takes it but it’s poor and just hits the wall, a wasted opportunity there.
Ingrid Kamstra emailed and said: “Is it my imagination or is Ella Toone having a very, very quiet game? She’s hardly featured so far. Rachel Williams also seems fairly quiet (compared to the FA Cup final game).”
She definitely is having a quiet game, you know if she isn’t on the ball and having opportunities then the Untied team aren’t clicking.
55 min: It’s dealt with well by United who try to counter quickly but they are forced back to their back line. It’s not long until the Blues have the ball back and Nusken wins a free kick from a Le Tissier foul.
54 min: The corner is taken short and again it is seen out but this time for a throw in.
53 min: I believe Riviere and Ramirez are okay to continue here and the corner will be taken shortly.
52 min: Reiten is standing over the corner ball and she takes it short to Cuthbert, her cross is blocked out for another corner by Rivierie. But before that is taken she needs to have some treatment. Ramirez is also down with cramp, Garcia helping her out with it.
51 min: Zelem has a nice touch and turn but she is smothered in the box, Chelsea then counter and Ramirez does well in the opposite box to win a corner.
50 min: United’s balloon has certainly been popped. It was a mountain to climb to get back into this goal but Leupolz may have just sunk their ship.
Man City can still win the title but they need to score seven goals with their scoreline still 1-0 against Aston Villa.
48 min: Chelsea kept hitting the ball, Charles effort trickled and hit the post. United defenders don’t clear and Charles sees it back in and Leupolz hits home. Wow. Man City now need seven.
GOAL! Manchester United 0-5 Chelsea (Leupolz, 47)
Oh my, United defence that is awful.
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47 min: The United defence needed a re-jig so the change makes sense at half-time, Mannion was also impressive last Sunday. The hosts have the first chance with Garcia on a good run but Charles manages to wrestle it back.
Back underway! Manchester United 0-4 Chelsea
So can United stage an impressive comeback? Or will Chelsea continue their charge to the title? All to come. Blundell is off for Mannion in the second half.
Manchester United’s defence are stunned, the Chelsea forwards are just running the show. Millie Turner and Hannah Blundell both poor. But is it Chelsea playing well or United playing poorly? Or a mixture of both? Let me know your thoughts.
Manchester City only managed a slender one-goal advantage in that first half. They now have a huge mountain to climb in the title race. The absence of Khadija Shaw has been evident for Gareth Taylor’s side, who have really lacked a cutting edge. Mary Fowler’s 21st minute strike is all that separates the two teams. City now need another SIX goals.
So as things stand Chelsea will win the WSL title.
The only ways Man City will now win is if Chelsea concede four and draw, concede five and lose or if City score six second half goals to leapfrog Chelsea on goal difference.
It looks like Emma Hayes will have a fairytale ending.
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Half-time: Manchester United 0-4 Chelsea
A controlled and dominant performance from Chelsea who are on their way to a fifth-straight WSL title. But it is not over yet, anything could still happen. As things stand Chelsea are champions.
45 + 4 min: The other game Man City are leading Aston Villa 1-0 but the goal difference means they need to score five goals now and for Chelsea not to score again to win.
45 + 3 min: Ramirez waits, runs through two players and finishes strongly. A mountain for both sides of Manchester to climb.
GOAL! Manchester United 0-4 Chelsea (Ramirez, 45 + 1')
Another one.
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45 + 1 min: There will be six minutes added.
45 min: That goal means Man City will have to score five more goals in the other result is Chelsea maintains their lead.
GOAL! Manchester United 0-3 Chelsea (Nusken, 44')
A really strong run from Ramirez again who lays it off to Nusken who taps home.
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43 min: Chelsea are on the charge with in the box from Ramirez, she is tackled and she looks to the referee for a penalty but nothing is given. That looked to me enough for a pen. Remember there is no VAR in operation in this game.
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41 min: Macario is not well enough to continue here, she jogs off which is a good sign. Nusken is on in her place.
40 min: Macario looks okay to continue but she is on the sidelines waiting to rejoin the action after having some treatment.
40 min: Macario was out for a long time with an ACL injury, I don’t think it is to that extent but it is definitely in the knee area which is giving her some pain. The players are having some drinks with the break in play.
38 min: Chelsea’s high press force United back to Earps but there is a break in play with Macario down with injury here. They look quite concerned, hopefully she is okay.
36 min: Chelsea being patient at the back now, potentially wanting to stop United’s growing momentum here. They eventually peel forward and Macario crosses it in but it’s headed clear.
34 min: Riviere, who is only growing into this game, sees it forward but Leupolz comes across to head it out.
In the other game Man City still lead Villa 1-0. If both games remain as they are Chelsea will win on goal difference. City currently need to score four more goals and for Chelsea to score no more to win.
32 min: Zelem has a good delivery to Turner but it is headed away, United recover the ball and Malard sees it back in and tries to find Williams but it is out for a goal kick.
31 min: A long ball finds Malard but she chooses the wrong option with a head down to the floor and Chelsea are able to clear. After the frantic start and conceding two goals, United have calmed and look much more like the team who turned up at Wembley last Sunday. They have a corner now.
30 min: Bright is an absolute brick wall in defence so far, she is holding down that back line as United try and find a way back into this game.
28 min: United thread the ball to Garcia, she is a danger any time she gets it going forward but Bright manages to deal with the resulting cross. The hosts are growing into this after seeing off a barrage of Chelsea attack.
26 min: Le Tissier fouls Ramirez and Chelsea have yet another free kick, they are mounting up now. Macario again the player to take it, it is a good delivery but Earps punches clear.
25 min: Reiten takes the corner but it doesn’t find a teammate, Leupolz sees it back into the area but United again are good defensively.
24 min: Leupolz goes down and Chelsea are awarded a goal kick. Macario is standing over the set piece once again, she sends it in but Garcia heads clear for a corner.
23 min: Macario takes it and it’s headed into the box, Carter sees it in but Turner concedes a corner. Macario takes it but there is an offside flag.
In the Aston Villa v Man City game City have scored through Mary Fowler. As things stand Chelsea would win on goal difference.
21 min: Cuthbert is down here after a challenge from Naalsund but she is okay to continue. Chelsea win a free kick from it in a good position.
20 min: Zelem takes the corner and it is a good delivery, as it always it from the captain, and Le Tissier gets a head to it but it just squeaks over the bar. She did smack the woodwork but it bounces over, so close.
19 min: United are enjoying a lot more possession now and it sees them create a good chance. Garcia finds some space and plays the ball but Riviere can’t quite get there but wins throw. Cuthbert then concedes a corner.
18 min: United playing much better now, a lovely move from Malard on a one two to get the team forward. Malard then plays it forward but Bright collects and clears.
16 min: United again so slow at the back, they need to ignite something soon. The crowd are electric, even with them being 2-0 down, and as soon as they get a hint of frontfoot ball they are alive. If they score next and get this crowd roaring anything could happen.
14 min: Macario wins a corner and Reiten takes it. The delivery is okay but Turner is there to head it clear. United look to counter but a long pass from Toone is cut out by Chelsea.
13 min: Riviere was electric for United at the FA Cup final last weekend and she looks good this afternoon, a star for this United side. Chelsea are in full control at the moment, United yet to land a punch.
11 min: Chelsea are bang up for this today, they work it well into the box and it looked like a third was coming. However, Riviere has some fantastic defensive work to stop Reiten.
Aston Villa v Man City is still 0-0. Now they have to score four to equal Chelsea and five to overtake them.
9 min: Earps has an average clearance kick and Chelsea get it, they work it fast through the team. Earps came out and made herself big but Kaneryd’s strike rolls around her. Wow.
GOAL! Manchester United 0-2 Chelsea (Kaneryd, 8)
That was too easy for Chelsea.
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8 min: United now being patient at the back, just taking the sting out of Chelsea’s start. The Blues win it back in the box but the ball is stuck under their feet and though it eventually comes to Macario her shot is out for a goal kick.
6 min: Chelsea are enjoying a lot of space on the ball at the moment. Aston Villa v Man City still stands at 0-0. If this game remains at 1-0 City will have to beat Villa by four goals to win the title.
5 min: United are right back at it after conceding, they slip the ball through into the box but Musovic collects. A strong start from Chelsea but it is essential United keep themselves calm here, they know they can get a result against the Blues.
3 min: Reiten busts a lung to retrieve the ball and crosses to Ramirez who has a bullet header. Huge for the striker back in from injury. As things stand Chelsea are winning the title.
GOAL! Manchester United 0-1 Chelsea (Ramirez, 2)
Ramirez with a header!
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2 min: Chelsea starts on the attack but a pass to Ramirez doesn’t come off.
Leo has emailed and said: “Up late in Sydney and hugely excited for the finale.
“Can we get some BIG love for Fran Kirby? She’s been one of the greatest Chelsea players (women & men) of all time.
“Pure class.”
Yes it is Fran Kirby’s last Chelsea game today after winning 15 trophies with the club. She starts from the bench but definitely a Chelsea legend.
Kick-off! Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Here we go then. Will Chelsea become the first club to win the English women’s top-flight five times in a row since Arsenal in 2012? Or will United upset the party? All to come.
Gordon has emailed and said: “Ramirez returning is a big plus for Chelsea. But the weakness of their team lately is that midfielders Leupolz and Cuthbert have looked tired, they did again on Wednesday, can they lift themselves for this one?
”Not surprised to see Kennedy in for City. If Chelsea take the lead, City will need at least four goals, and I think Kennedy will be moved up front, as City’s starting front three are not going to win headers in the Villa box.”
Yes agreed, I think they will alter their set-up if Chelsea score. But also Man City will be focused on beating Villa and by some margin, they won’t need the Chelsea score to spur them on. A first title in years is on the line. If you have any thoughts you want to share, get in touch on email or X (@rendellx).
Skinner also said on today’s game: “There’s loads of narratives [in this game]. It depends on what angle you look at. We know how difficult it is to play against Chelsea. Even in the semi-final where we won, there were moments we had to dig deep and defend. Chelsea can attack any team throughout the land. We’ve got to be at our very best.
“It’s going to be hopefully a showpiece for us, to come off the back of an FA Cup win and show everybody the experiences that we’ve had and use it as a growth moment again. Having success at the weekend and then coming into a big game like this, hopefully, it gives us that impetus and it’s a platform we want to build from.”
It is also a big day for Manchester United manager Marc Skinner. He and his team will celebrate their Women’s FA Cup win at Old Trafford and he will also be celebrating his new deal at the club.
It was confirmed yesterday Skinner would stay on as boss. The deal runs for a year with the option for a further year. He said it was an “honour” to stay in his role.
At her final press conference as Chelsea manager, Emma Hayes said: “I had my last drive into work today, my office is already cleared out, it’s my last coaching session with a group of people who I have built strong bonds with,” she said as she reflected on her career in a news conference.
“I wouldn’t change a single thing and I am so delighted to get one more training session with my team and one more game and I know for sure we’re going to enjoy it.”
This is a good piece on footballing greats with Hayes bowing out from Chelsea today:
Here is Emma Hayes Chelsea career in photos:
It is difficult to sum up Emma Hayes’ impact on Chelsea and women’s football but her stats can do a lot of the talking. In her 12 years at Chelsea she has won:
Six Women’s Super League titles
Five Women’s FA Cup
Two Conti Cups
One Community Shield
One WSL Spring Series
She also has a winning percentage of just over 70%. She bows out as a true legend and Chelsea will miss her.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes is wearing custom Chelsea shoes, it includes Sam Kerr doing a back flip:
Emma Hayes' drip is always on point. 😮💨#CFCW pic.twitter.com/gE309AOKMv
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) May 18, 2024
Speaking of the Chelsea manager, let’s take a look at her career…
Another notable miss for United is Leah Galton. She came off injured in the Women’s FA Cup final last Sunday.
Manchester United team news is here. Rachel Williams starts ahead of Nikita Parris and Melvine Malard also starts.
Manchester United:
📋 Presenting your final United XI of the campaign! ❤️#MUWomen || #BarclaysWSL
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) May 18, 2024
So what are the title permutations? Here are the ways Chelsea or Man City will lift the title:
If Man City lose or draw and Chelsea win, then Chelsea win
If Chelsea lose or draw but Man City win, then City win
If they both draw, Chelsea will win on goal difference
If Chelsea draw but Man City lose, Chelsea win
If Man City draw but Chelsea lose, City win
If both clubs win their respective games it will come down to goal difference
If both clubs lose their respective games it will come down to goal difference
Manchester United have not posted their team news yet, as soon as they do I will update you.
The Chelsea team news is here. Chelsea’s Lauren James does not start but Mayra Ramirez returns from injury. James is named on the bench.
Chelsea:
Emma Hayes’ final Chelsea XI. 📝#CFCW pic.twitter.com/lyEn42E8lt
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) May 18, 2024
Of course Lauren James needs a mention but her involvement is uncertain because of her recent foot injury. She did come off the bench against Tottenham on Wednesday but it was only for 10 minutes.
James has been Chelsea’s star this season and scored a hat-trick against her former club in the reverse fixture. If she is fit to start she will be a deadly threat.
The team news will be next.
For Chelsea, Guro Reiten could bring the fire today. She was crucial in Chelsea’s 8-0 win over Bristol City which closed the goal difference gap on Man City.
She has not had her best season but she always comes good when it counts. She will be looking for that winning goal today, she loves one on the last day of the season:
Chelsea’s @guro_reiten has scored on the final day of the #BarclaysWSL season in each of the last two campaigns.
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) May 18, 2024
Will she get on the scoresheet again today? 👀 pic.twitter.com/LgSd81Vn0t
You can’t speak about United stars without speaking about Mary Earps. The goalkeeper has been essential for keeping her side in matches, particularly in the Women’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
Can the Queen of Stops have another impact today? It seems inevitable. Her contract with United runs out this summer and so this is potentially her last game for the club.
So which stars could have an impact on the game today? Well if Lucia Garcia is in the starting squad for Manchester United today, I don’t see why she wouldn’t be, she will be a massive threat.
She was so impressive in the Women’s FA Cup final, adding two goals to United’s tally and being hard to contain around the pitch. She has been a bright light in United’s uneven season.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the last day of the Women’s Super League season. The title winner will be decided today and while the last few season have been decided on the final day, this is the closest run we have had.
Chelsea or Manchester City will lift the trophy this afternoon. They are currently on the same amount of points and the Blues just edge City on goal difference. Emma Hayes’ team have a +2 goal difference.
This day is not just significant because of the title race but it is also the last game at club for some legends of football. Chelsea boss Hayes will leave the club after today to become the new USWNT coach. She has been at the club for 12 years and won over 10 titles with the Blues. We will look at her career in more detail shortly.
Manchester United will be looking to upset the Chelsea party and will be fuelled with confidence after winning the Women’s FA Cup last Sunday. They also beat Chelsea for the first time in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Let’s take a look at title permutations, some stars who could impact the game today and Hayes before kick-off at 3pm BST.
